St. Landry democrat., 1887-02-12

Il have not fallen in love with Won. Mr.
BOldWoOd-certainly | NAV say that Sh,
allowed a very small smile to creep for the
first time over her serious face in saving this
and the white row of upper teeth and feen]y
cut lips, already noticed, suggested an idea
Of heartleSsness, which was Immediately con.
tradirted by the pleasant eyes.
But You will just think--in kindness and
condescension thiuk--if you cannot bear with
me as husband! | fear | am too old fo,
you, but believe me, | will take more care of
you than would many man of your own
age. | will protect and cherish you with all
my strength will, indeed
BathshebaS heart was young and it swelled
with sympathy for the deep natured man who
spoke so simply.
Don't say it-dont! I cannot bear YOU
to feel so much, and me to feel nothing
And l am afraid they will notice us. Mr.
Boldwood. VIII You let the matter rest
now? | cannot think collectedly. | did not
know you We're going to say this to me- oh,
am wicked to have made you suffer son
She was frightened as well as agitated at his
vehemence.
Say, then, that you don't absolutely re-
fuse. Do not quite refuse!n
II can do nothing. cannot answer
Il may speak to you again on the sub
ject?'
''Yes"
II may think of you.''
Yes | suppose you may think of me-
"And hope to obtain you!'
''No-do not hope Let us go on
Il will call upon you again tomorrow"
''No-please mott Give me time
'!IeS-J will riyp Won any fima no c,;J
earnestly and gratefully. II am happier
now"
MOI beg you! Don't be happier if hap
piness only comes from my agreeing. Be
neutral, Mr. Boldwood! I must think
Il will watt" he said
And then she turned away. Boldwood
dropped his eyes to the ground and stood
long like man who did not know where he
was. Realities then returned upon him like
the pain of wound received in an excite
ment which eclipses it, and he, too then
went on.
And just above the bend of the river was
Gabriel Oak washing his sheep and taking a
fresh grip on his rebellious heart at the same
time, for well did he divine the intent if not
the result of Mr.. Boldwood's walk with Bath
sheba by the riverside.
The patterns were being marked out i'll the
web of hate. The valentine had been the in
cipient cause of the curious and eventful tra-
Gerry.
That evening there was sheep shearing
supper at the farm house, and Mr.. Boldwood
was there by invitation While the men sat
long at the big table spread on the porch |
and talked and grew merry as the gods in
Homer's heaven, Miss Everdene and her guest |
went inside and sat by the window. The |
men asked her to sing the Banks Of Allan |
Water and she did so, Gabriel Oak accom-
oanying her On his flute. The picture and |
,he words of the song, which We're prophetic,
hough they did not know it, fingered long
n the memory of more than one of the conf
,any.
For his bride soldier sought her,
And willy tongue had he; ,
On the banks of Allan water
There was noae so fair as she.
~ will try to love you," Bathsheba was
aging in a trembling voice as Boldwood
,arted from her. "knd if believein any way
hat I shall make you a good wife, shall
indeed be willing 10 marry You But, Mr.
3oldwood hesitation on so high matter is
honorable i'll any woman, and | don't want
0 give solemn promise to night. I would ,
ather ask you to wait few weeks till l can
ee my situation better"
''But you would have every reason to
,elieve that then"-.
Il have every reason to hope that at the
nd of the five or six weeks, between this time
md harvest, that you are going to be away
rom home, shall be able to promise to be |,
rour wife" she said firmly. "But remember
his distinctly, don't promise yet"
"It is enough; I don't ask more. I can
vait on those dear words. And now, Miss
Iverdene, good night"
"Good night" she said, greciously-a almost
enderly; and Boldwood withdrew with
creme smile.
But on that same night came fate, in the
'erson of a gay, handsome, lying soldier,
whom she accidentally brushed against in her